Monday, June 28, 2010

The late underground comix historian, Clay Geerdes, called these self-published comic books DZs, for digest zines, standard size paper, folded it in half for a 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" comic book. It was an economical way for an artist to get his work out, made easy to produce in quick print shops and by photocopy machines.

Here are some examples I've had in my collection for years. THE FUNNY BOOK is from 1975, is 12-pages long, full of old vaudeville-styled humor and grotesque characters. The artist isn't credited, but according to Jay Kennedy's OFFICIAL UNDERGROUND AND NEWAVE PRICE GUIDE the art is by Gary Figari.

Gary Whitney's 8-page WINDY CITY COMIX from 1978 has a hilarious story that reads like a dream: trying to get somewhere important, can't get there, lose your clothes. I think we've all had that dream!

Doug Bryson wrote and drew CAP'N RETRO as a four-pager in 1980.

The Internet has changed self-publishing, but for me, I like these home-grown publications on paper.

Friday, June 25, 2010

What a plush job! Sit around the office; look at funny drawings sent to you. Pick a few out to be published in a large national magazine. It's only 9:30 a.m., so take it easy until you go home at 5:00. Sounds like a great gig.

Gurney Williams, who was cartoon editor for the very big national magazine, COLLIERS, in its heyday, has a different take. This is chapter one from his 1946 book, I MEET SUCH PEOPLE, richly illustrated by some of the top cartoonists of the day...and for a long time to come, as it turned out. The ability to draw gag cartoons that are consistently funny and appeal to readers, not to mention the editor, is a rare talent. There have always been many more aspiring cartoonists than selling cartoonists.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

If you are not a mature adult and able to view stuff designed for same, please modestly avert your eyes and go on to another blog.

More about exploitation films from the July-August 1986 issue of FILM COMMENT magazine. I posted another article about the incredible Dave Friedman and his career in selling schlocky sex movies. It's in the original Hairy Green Eyeball blog here.